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honestly i say do a combo of things. first go to another doctor and tell him you are an inch or two shorter then you are then you wont have as much to gain to meet your BMI requirement. I am not usually a fan of gaining to get surgery, but you are very close and 237 is a very unhealthy weight. it's what i started at so I know where you are coming from. I am 5'5.5" but i jsut said I was 5'4"....................ended up being private pay anyway so id didnt really matter much, but that loss of an inch put me at the right bmi zone

Hi Carrie, I'm not a veteran but will be banded in the next few weeks. Congrats on the great weight loss. Just curious to know if 170 is your ideal weight and how long you took to lose it.

Long time member but i haven't posted anywhere in ages, but I used to be on the Lapband board. I was a long time very successful band patient i was orginally banded in Jan 02 (in Canada, pre FDC approval) lost weight at a great rate. My first band (Innamed) slipped a total of 3 times before it came out for six months, I also had surgeries to move my port and another because my tubing disconnect. Next we went to the J&J band and it was great until it slipped badly, I had it for about 6-7 years and it worked like a charm, restriction was great most of the time, lost to my goal size and then it self tightened and i left it there because of travel, personal stress etc and i thought it would release on its own when i went for a defill it completely slipped around my esophagus and it was horrible. With the J&J I had a port revision surgery in there too. Then we tried a 3rd band it never worked right, I couldn't get restriction because if we did more than i had instant reflux etc. I revised to the sleeve last week with a new surgeon in Philadelphia who told me the band was basically around my esophagus and i had no pouch which is why I had no restriction and why I could not be tightened any more. But I lost about 150 lbs in 12-16 months and maintained that loss for 10 years plus, with little to no effort. In the meantime because of the band with no restriction, some prescribed evil steroids that I had to take that put 30lbs on me in a matter of 8 days... (they change your brain chemistry in weird ways) hashimoto's disease (hypo thyroid) fluctuations for the last few years and a few other things I gained about 70-80 lbs that I could not lose weight I tried. I went gluten free and dairy free, nada, I tried the HCG diet lost 20 lbs gained it back and generally I don't eat more than 1500-1700 calories per day including when I am drinking wine, eating out 3 meals a day etc. I hired a trainer, almost went paleo not quite. Now in talking to my surgeon he has said there are new studies showing band patients 9-12 years out who suddenly gain weight they can't lose for love nor money. They try everything and it won't come off more restriction, calories restriction etc. So we made a joint strategic decision to go to the sleeve since I knew the risk, what type of lifestyle change I was in for, portion control etc. wouldn't be a problem since i had it already. In our conversations we talked a lot about Ghrelin which is produced in the stomach and it makes you hungry, when you are feeling that craving to overeat or binge typically it is ghrelin and obese people produce more ghrelin than non obese people typically with some exceptions. We also talked about leptin which makes you feel satiated and is produced in the brain. With the sleeve, about 70-90% of the ghrelin produced is surgically removed with the part of the stomach they remove. i am curious have you noticed a difference in how hungry you get, cravings and the satiation of cravings ie: I can eat two bites of cake vs. I want the whole cake now? Have you also noticed the full feelings getting different than before from the leptin. My surgeon has said in his conversations with his patients they noticed their cravings reduced which helps them with portion control and in making better choices which helps a number of other things. In other words the brain and stomach don't conspire to make cheetos seem like a great dinner choice or ben and jerry your best friend. Overall I eat very healthy without a ton of junk food in my life we cook at home, we make our own stocks and Soups etc. to help get me through the liquids phase. But we do eat well and drink wine, we might be foodies (we are told we are, I just like trying new things). I have never eaten out of control even with the last band and no restriction just trying to lose weight has been terrible, depressing and frustrating. Especially after my first experiences which was I lost well, ate well, exercised and it worked like it was supposed too. I am a consultant and I travel for my job excessively so hence the eat out three meals a day most of the time I don't have a choice in that, but you can make healthy choices even in eating out and I do. I look at fats and calories along with Proteins and make good choices. Any thoughts you have I would appreciate and any advice you have I would love to read. Thanks for reading and good luck

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that. Expect a longer and more painful recovery, but it shouldn't change your weight loss outcome.

Hi! I am new to this forum but not to weight loss surgery. I had a Lap-Band done almost 18 months ago. I have had several fills, none recently. Weight loss has been slow for me. I am not much on exercising. Anyway, on to my problem. I have been having horrible bloating and distention to the point that my port site was painful. I could not seem to get relief and went for days without using the bathroom. i added a fiber pill and drank extra water but it did not help. I was not constipated, my food intake had really been decreased and I was miserable. No vomitting. The bloating got worse as the day went on or if I ate or drank. Anyone have any ideas?:help:

You sound just like me. I was thinking why not take this $6000 and put it inot a trainer and a Weight Watchers program. To be honest, ecery day my mind wonders there. But then I think about my experience with Quick Weight Loss. Over $2500 on a program, where yes I was loosing weight, but I was always hungry, hated buying their terrinle powder Soups and Protein bars, and not being able to drink aything besides Water Like Tiff said on an another post, I don't want to have to diet forever! I too started this journey looking at the Lap Band. It was all I really knew. I knew nothing of the sleeve 5 months ago. But after reading the horrible stories, looking at the complications thread on Lapband Talk, and talking to people from OH, I knew I couldn't spend $5000 on something that could would cost me more ($100 self pay fills) and could cause me so much pain. So here I am, gettng sleeved in less than a week. Whenever I hear those nagging thought creeping up, I look over at my beautiful daughter (almost 7 months) and realize I am doing this for her. Good Luck on whatever you choose.

I still go to the doctor every month and I am almost 9 months post op. I am filled to a little less than 5ccs, and have gotten a fill almost every month (except maybe 2). I've gotten tiny fills of about .25 for the last 4 months or so, just enough to compensate for the loss of my fad pad. Good luck to you!!!

Hello All. Well let's start of by saying my surgery date is April 12th 2012 (yeah!!!). It was a simple and quick procees that I started in February and I'm getting banded in 2 wks. I have bcbs of IL. It only took them five days to approve my surgery. The doc's office said that was one of the quickest they've seen. In saying that, I just want to give all the glory to God. I prayed and said Lord Jesus if this is what you want for me then make it easy and he has. All my test's went smooth, no problems, and no complaints. I didn't really know what to expect reading some of the post on this site about the test's and the insurance approval process, but like I said thank you Jesus he made it easy for me. So this is a question to the post op banders on here: I'm single with no kids. I don't want to tell my friends or family about the surgery because of how they've reacted to other people we know that has had weight loss surgery. My doc requires an overnight stay at the hospital, but when I'm released would I be able to handle it at home by myself? I was going to take a cab home so I wouldn't have to drive as the hospital isn't that far from where I live. I am also planning to have everything I need so I won't have to go to the store for at least a week. By what I've read it seems pretty painful and I'm not sure that it's a good idea to go it alone. I really don't have a choice because I don't want anyone to know. But if it's going to put my health in danger then I would have someone. Please let me know what you think. Thanks a lot for reading this long blog

She said their expected weight loss was between 5-7lbs & I loss 14.5 In a month time. My water weight was low meaning I wasn't getting in enough water so she told me to increase my intake to 5 20oz per day

Hello All, My name is Asmaa, I am 40 years old, married, mother of 3 daughters, age 19, 12, and 10. I currently live in Philadelphia but am originally from DC/NoVA. I have been on my weight loss journey for 19 years, right after I had my first child. I was always pretty slim growing up and only picked up weight after having kids. Over the last 10 years my weight has skyrocketed and before I knew it I was 328 pounds. It wasn't until I saw myself in a family picture that I realized how big I had gotten. Along with they weight gain I suffer from high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I am being treated medically for the HBP and have to sleep with a C-PAP mask for the apnea I have lower back problems and I plantar fasciitis. I have been on every fad diet that anyone could mention, the weight drops but then it comes right back. I had considered weight loss surgery years ago but I felt that I was cheating and taking the easy way out. I felt that I could do i t on my own, and I did. I lost 80lbs by changing my eating habits and exercising. Then I injured my knee and had to have surgery. This slowed down my exercise routine and I returned to disordered eating and the weight came back. I exercise 3-5 times a week but it hasn't been enough. I needed a change and so I decided to look into weight loss surgery. After attending the information session, I felt confident that this option was right for me at this time in my life. The surgeons and staff are terrific. They are very kind and compassionate and care about each and every patient that they treat. And as the months have gone by in preparation for the surgery, I grow even more confident that this is the best choice in my journey. So with that being said...... My vertical sleeve surgery is scheduled for this coming Monday, October 14. I am so happy to be beginning my journey to weight loss and a more permanent healthy state. Well that's my intro, I look forward to getting to know everyone!

I'm two weeks out today and went shopping for a few hours and I feel like I could drop any minute now:( I'm so tired and so winded. I know if I don't push myself that I won't get stronger, but I also have to listen to my body, lesson learned. Some good news is that I noticed just some slight changes...(can we say NSVs:) I THINK my lower back doesn't hurt anymore, could this really be??? Also, my posture has shifted a bit, I think it's because of the belly fat loss so far. One more thing, I can now sleep on my side and I love it. These are itsy bitsy NSVs so I can't wait for the major ones.

Alright let's have a little reality check. 77 pounds in 4.5 months is AWSOME. From your post I got the feeling you are feeling healthier and following your guidelines, and yet you are frustrated because of a little number. At the end of the day it is just a number. I had the surgery to lead a healthier life style, and achieve my goals. Focus on other goals. Write down a list of goals and start crossing them out a you go along. Once you reach one than add another one. My doc always said when the scale slows down or you hit a stall you tend to lose your inches. Finally find another way to measure your weight loss. I knew I was ready for the surgery when I could no longer see my feet in the shower. So when the scale was not giving me the right answer I would check my feet in the shower. I am proud that I can now see my ankles. Good luck I don't know where the journey will end, but I know where to start. 17 months post op. 125 lost

A question for the group~ So my last fill was in April, filled to about 5ccs. I have only lost about 10lbs since then, and only 25lbs total, so I have felt like I was maybe just a hair away from the sweet spot, but vomiting pretty often and PBing so I haven't wanted to go any tighter. But over the last 6 weeks or so, I have been eating less and less and as I eat less, it seems like the less I CAN eat. I feel like my band gets tighter, the less I eat. I am eating Protein shakes in the morning, yogurt, a soft lunch and chewing really well, but at times turning to shakes just to quell the evening hunger. I am thinking that I might be too tight, but it's so counter intuitive to me because, #1, I am not losing that much weight and #2, I thought losing weight made you looser anyway. Now for the first time I am having heartburn... something that I have never had a problem with before. Why would my band suddenly just get tighter?? Whatcha'll think??

I was wondering about appeals. I have not yet started the process, so this is me just thinking of all the avenues and I am dedicated in getting this this year soon as I am done with not being able to enjoy life how I want to (that is for another post). But I just switched to my husband's insurance that does cover gastric surgery. The plan says you must try other avenues for a year. On that note, while I was on my own insurance plan that did not cover it I have been under a doctors care for weight loss and diabetes. Do you think I can appeal under the notion that I am under a doctors'a care for a year because of obesity? Otherwise I would wait a whole other year with this new insurance or find another means of getting banding done. Any thoughts on the likelihood of an appeal working? BTW I should add I have been on a leave from work due to all these medical conditions, the weight has aggravated my sciatic nerve and I haven't been able to withstand standing or sitting for any period of time. Yes odd part is I have lost about 50lbs from the previous year I worked. I also have had nerve surgery in my arm and most likely will need it again before returning to work (also due to weight issues); and suffered a major fall which has done nothing but set me back in any rehabilitation I have done. I guess my overall question is with an accumulation of medical issues documented for years is an appeal likely?

My weight loss has slowed significantly and the PA told me to eat at least 800 calories per day. She first said between 800 and 1200, but when I asked her where to start in that range, she said between 800 and 900 (or 1,000 - I can't remember for sure). I'm almost 2 months out. This was at my 6 week checkup.

Do you snore? Are you tired during the day? Do you wake up with headaches? Many overweight people have obstructive sleep apnea. When you sleep, the tissue in the back of the throat relaxes and obstructs the airway. This can be helped with weight loss. OSA can cause major issues in the long run.

I also take biotin for hair and make sure to take all vitamins recommended by my surgeon.

Hi there! You've come to the right place for support and understanding. I haven't been banded yet, but I have had surgery and know the fear, and I also understand the fear of failure, because I think about that even though I don't have a date yet. But I know there are a lot of fantastic people here who will help you, and who will tell you that, the band is a tool, and it can and will help you on your weight loss journey. One thing I can't stress enough is the importance of talking to people who understand, and that's what this site is all about. The person you mentioned who eats four hot dogs and then goes to the bathroom is certainly no one you should listen to; you need people who will encourage you, and maybe even give you a little tough love if it's needed. That's what I tell myself. I'm sorry I can't offer much help, but I know someone will come along who can. Stick around, and welcome to LBT! Debbie

Hi Sue, my name is Kathy and I live in Sacramento, CA. I had my band surgery on election day, 11/4/08. I'm 52 and I, too, think about it notworking for me and failing once again. I think that's entirely natural. I've lost 15 pounds since surgery and I'm a little disappointed, yet I haven't really followed my dietary suggestions all that well. (Xmas and all). I think you're having you're surgery at a good time to start with the new year. Don't be afraid of the surgery. Now, I know every doctor is different, but it really was not bad. I was anxious, but not overly so. I checked in about 10:30 a.m., talked to docs, went into surgery about 12, and I was home by 2:30. I live about 30 minutes from hospital. I've never had children, still have my tonsils, appendix, gall bladder,so I really don't have any pain to compare it to. But it didn't hurt. I can't say I was inpain. It was muscle soreness, especially at port site. That's the biggest incision they make. It's like you did a thousand sit ups, that kind of muscle pain. They gave me liquid tylenol as needed. Only time I got nauseous was when I took full dose of medicine. That was the last time I took it. I did fine with tylenol from then on. I was off work from Tuesday (surgery day) and went back to work on Monday. Depends on what you do for a living, as to when you go back to work. I was glad I was off the four days I was. I too only knew one person who had had the surgery. She was a much better resource for me than your friend sounds like. I'm sure everybody's experience is somewhat different, but that's been mine. Surgery is nothing to be afraid of, and I consider myself a real wuss. I had my first fill on 12/23/08, and that too, wasnot bad. It made for a real challenge, whatwith allof the Xmas food around. But I'mback to Sac tomorrow, (I'mvisiting family in Northern California), and back to work on Monday. And I'm determined to get back into it. Good luck with your surgery. Don't be scared. You'll do fine. So sorry to hear your son was KIA in Iraq. I can't begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. I'm sure you're very proud of him. Again, sorry for your loss. Kathy

Your weight loss seems really normal for your starting weight!! Right on track. I scoured the boards and vlogs before my surgery to try to set some expectations. I also started at 250. For that weight (and my height... 5'7") it seemed highly typical to go 20-25lbs the first month then 10 ls a month thereafter (until somewhere around month 6-12 where things became harder). Everyone is totally different, and this is obviously anecdotal, but again and again it was what I was seeing (certainly with outliers!) I'd love to hit 50 lbs maybe 4-5 months in. The higher the weight, the faster it comes off, so don't dismay! I'm not immune to comparing (obviously) but never do it unless it's someone with a similar starting weight and height. Good luck!

You have lost a huge amount! I was sleeved in early April and not even close to your numbers! I'm still happy with how I'm doing and the upside is that I have lost very little hair. Yours will come back. From what I've read here you'll start seeing some new growth as a New Year's present. We are to carry a medic alert card in our wallet (per our program ) with our license and, if you want, wear a tag on ourselves. I learned with a bad fall and broken collar bone, it's necessary. The alert has my surgeon's actual cell phone number and he answers 24/7 or calls back fast. The ER I was taken to was refusing me any narcotic pain meds. When I was saying I could not take large quantities of nsaids ( for 6 to 8 days it would have been a lot of pills ) they were rolling their eyes. My entire right side was a hemotoma, turning black as we watched it or break, but they still refused any narcotic pain meds. So you don't know what you are going to come up against out there and it helps to have a notice in your wallet. It won't change their minds if they decide that you have jacked yourself up to get 6 days of pain meds but you never know what it might keep them from doing if you are not conscious. I should add this was my first ER experience. I hope it's my last. But my knees are shot and tripping has become a way of life for me.

It is also important to remember that bariatric surgery is not a magic weight loss solution. It is simply a tool to help keep you on the right path. Everybody is different. Everybody will have different results. Your body has gone through a huge change. Give it time to do it's thing. Just follow the program and it will happen! It WILL happen! Don't get discouraged. Don't worry about it. Just do it! Good luck!